Central Falls celebrates new city fire engine

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE) — The Central Fall Fire Department welcomed a much needed addition to its team on Monday.

Officials announced a new fire engine was added to the roster thanks to funding championed by Rhode Island congressional leaders and the USDA.

After the city’s three-decade old fire engine failed annual testing, the department had been relying on just two engines, officials said.

Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera recounted the difficulty rescue crews faced with the lack of proper engines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the hardest hit community in our state – and at one point the entire world – the 911 calls and response runs were endless,” Rivera said. “All while the Department was relying on decades-old, failing fire engines that kept breaking down, were totally unreliable, and becoming a growing liability and cost burden.”

Officials said the city allocated a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act dollars toward purchasing the engine, and the remaining funds were provided by a USDA Rural Development grant.

“With this new engine truck being generously funded…the Central Falls Fire Department will have the newest technology built for fire trucks,” said Fire Chief Scott Mello. “This will ensure that the firefighters will have a piece of equipment that will help them deliver the type of quality service they provide on a daily basis.”